The United States Department of State has announced plans to suspend immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Nigeria, over concerns that some applicants may become dependent on welfare and public benefits in the United States.
Under the proposed policy, the pause is expected to take effect from January 21 and will remain in force indefinitely, pending a comprehensive review of immigrant visa screening and vetting procedures.
The suspension is expected to affect applicants across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America.
Countries listed for the pause include Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand, among others.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump released data on welfare dependency among immigrant households, noting that about 33.3 per cent of Nigerian immigrant households reportedly receive some form of public assistance.
A State Department memo, first reported by Fox News Digital, directed US embassies and consulates to deny visas under existing “public charge” laws while authorities reassess current screening standards.
The directive allows consular officers to refuse visas to applicants considered likely to rely on government support, including those with previous use of public cash assistance or a history of institutional care.
In a statement, State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott said the department would rely on its long-standing authority to prevent the entry of individuals deemed likely to become a public charge on the United States.
According to the statement, immigration from the affected countries will be paused during the review period to strengthen measures aimed at limiting welfare dependency among new immigrants.
The move follows a November 2025 cable sent to US diplomatic posts worldwide, instructing consular officers to apply stricter screening rules under the public charge provision.
Factors to be considered include applicants’ age, health status, financial capacity, English proficiency and potential need for long-term medical care.
Although the public charge rule has existed in US immigration law for decades, its enforcement has varied across administrations.
However, its scope was significantly expanded in 2019 under President Trump to cover a broader range of public benefits.
The planned suspension is expected to generate reactions from affected countries as the policy review progresses.